Morton Fraser adds another PhD to its IP team

Legal firm Morton Fraser has appointed a second lawyer with a scientific background to its intellectual property team.

Dr Julie Nixon has become a senior solicitor in its corporate team, joining Dr Peter Galloway who also holds a PhD. She holds a PhD in molecular biology and genetics from the University of Edinburgh. She joins Morton Fraser from MBM Commercial in Edinburgh, where she completed her traineeship in 2014. Prior to joining MBM, she was a post-doctoral research assistant at Harvard University. Dr Galloway has a PhD in physics from Oxford University and worked as a research scientist before switching to law.

Dr Nixon will be responsible for advising clients on IP and commercial contracts, including IP protection and commercialisation, e-commerce and IT agreements, as well as on corporate matters.

Austin Flynn, partner and head of Morton Fraser’s corporate division, commented: “Attracting someone with Julie’s scientific expertise and experience is a huge boost to our corporate team. Having two IP lawyers with scientific backgrounds gives us the ability to offer clients a unique and multifaceted service.

“Building a team of experienced and commercially minded lawyers such as Julie and Peter is invaluable to us and, in turn, our clients. When talking to academics it’s important to be able to speak their language. We’re confident Julie will prove to be an exceptional addition to the team.”

Morton Fraser also recently appointed Callum Murray as a senior associate in its corporate division. He rejoins the firm, at which he also worked betwen 2006 and 2012, after periods in private practice in Dubai and latterly with Stronachs in Aberdeen. He has particular expertise in early and mid-stage investment transactions, and also advises on IP and commercial contracts.